Obituary: Collins, Mary Elizabeth

Age 84

Wed., Feb. 11, 2015

COLLINS, Mary Elizabeth (Age 84) Mary Elizabeth Collins aka: Liz, Mary, Oma and Mama, left this world to be in the arms of Jesus on February 7, 2015.

She was born in Shakopee, Minnesota on February 4, 1931, the daughter of August and Wenonah Schesso.

Mama attended the University of Portland in the early 50’s and graduated with a Music Degree.

She joined the USO and was stationed in Ulm, Germany where she met her former husband, Phillip Collins.

Together they traveled the world with the US Air Force for 21 years.

Mama was a teacher of piano, a substitute teacher, worked at Montgomery Ward and retired from Litho Development and Research in Portland, OR.

After retiring she volunteered with Head Start in N. Portland.

As dementia took over, she was cared for by her son, Sean and daughter, Kathie until she required full time care.

Mama was preceded in death by her parents, August and Wenonah Schesso and ex-husband Phillip Collins.

Mama is survived by her sister Monica Weimer and brother Joseph Schesso, both of Portland OR; three children: Kathie Collins Huff (Jeff Arendt) (Spokane), Kevin Collins (Coeur d’Alene), and Sean Collins (Portland); two grandsons: Corey Collins and Cole Collins (Shawn Marie); two granddaughters: Brianna Huff Berg (Anthony) and Caitlin Huff (Jeremiah Leister), and three great-grandchildren: Tanner, Ellah and Fiona.

Mama is at peace, free of pain and mental anguish, sitting at the grandest piano playing all her favorite songs.

In lieu of flowers and cards, please send a donation to your local animal shelter.

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